Monday, October 27, 2014

The Best and Worst Ways to Eat Potatoes

The Best and Worst Ways to Eat Potatoes

There are all kinds of different potatoes, including classic russet
potatoes, Yukon Gold, red potatoes, white potatoes, fingerling potatoes
and even blue potatoes. No matter what type you like best, whether or
not you’re eating a health food, really depends on how your potatoes are
prepared.
Another important consideration when it comes to potatoes, and many
other types of produce, is buying organic. Mashed potatoes can be
delicious and nutritious, unless they’re laden with pesticides or have
been genetically modified. Potatoes generally retain pesticides even
after they’ve been washed and peeled – and nearly 80 percent of potatoes
have been shown to contain these toxic substances.

The potato also contains a host of phytonutrients that offer
antioxidant activity, including carotenoids, flavonoids, and caffeic
acid along with unique tuber storage proteins, like patatin, which has
been shown to exhibit activity against free radicals.
Free radicals are believed to be the root cause of a wide range of
chronic disease and illness in addition to contributing to premature
aging.

While the potato itself is quite healthy, it is often ruined by being processed so heavily the result is hardly a potato.

You’re probably quite familiar with some of the worst ways to eat
potatoes, including those infamous stacked Pringles, sometimes referred
to as “Cancer in a Can.” In an effort to avoid taxes that were levied
against “luxury foods” like chips in the United Kingdom, the Pringles
Company even argued that the potato content of their chips was so low
that they technically aren’t even potato chips.
Pringles, and most other potato chips as well as french fries, are
heavily processed. One of their most harmful ingredients isn’t something
that is intentionally added, but is rather a byproduct of processing
known as acrylamide.

Acrylamide is a cancer-causing and potentially neurotoxic agent that
is created when carbohydrate-rich foods are cooked at high temperatures,
whether baked, fried, roasted or toasted. Potato chips and French fries
typically contain the highest amounts according to numerous studies,
though other foods processed at a temperature above 212 degrees
Fahrenheit may contain acrylamide, such as processed cereals and snacks.

As you probably surmised, potato chips and fries are two of the worst
ways you can eat potatoes, if you can call them that. Baked potatoes
sold at fast food restaurants piled with processed cheese and other
unhealthy ingredients come in at a close second.Still, there are plenty of great ways to enjoy a potato.
Combine pureed roasted garlic, cooked potatoes and olive oil for especially tasty garlic mashed potatoes.

Enjoy baked potatoes with healthy toppings like herbs and veggies.
Top with plain, organic yogurt for a more nutritious sour cream-like
flavor.
Sautéed potatoes for breakfast instead of eating processed hashed
browns. Just chop up some red potatoes, green and red bell pepper and
onions into small, bite-sized pieces. Place them into a skillet with
some coconut oil and cook, stirring until tender.If
you like french fries, you can make your own healthier baked fries by
cutting russet potatoes into wedges and placing them on a baking sheet
sprinkled with olive oil. Drizzle some more olive oil over the tops of
the potatoes and then season with sea salt and pepper. Bake in a 450
degree F oven for 15 to 20 minutes, turning once to make sure they’re
browned and cooked on all sides.

You don’t necessarily have to give up potatoes completely for better
health and a slimmer waistline – though, quite frankly, potatoes are not
your healthiest choice of vegetable by a long shot – so you would do
well to cut down on them if you are eating them often. At the very
least, start by eliminating processed potatoes, so you get to enjoy the
best of both worlds with great taste and a healthier you.-The Alternative Daily